ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Special Service and Features
Inauguration of the Kalpakkam Off-site Emergency Exercise Training at Kalpakkam
Department of Atomic Energy, Kalpakkam Centre has many units functioning at Kalpakkam like Madras Atomic Power Station, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor , BARC Facilities, etc. As per regulatory requirements, Off-Site Emergency Exercise should be conducted at this Centre once in two years as a part of its Emergency Preparedness plan. As part of this exercise, training programme is organized for District officials to familiarize them with nuclear emergency preparedness arrangements.
In view of the Off-site Emergency exercise planned for 11th November 2021, the training programme for District officials was inaugurated today  by Shri N. Selvam, PA to Collector, Chengalpattu.
During the function, Shri M. Balarama Murthy, Station Director, MAPS highlighted the safety aspects of Indian nuclear power plants and informed that the public will not be disturbed during the exercise. In his inaugural address, Shri Selvam underlined the importance of nuclear emergency preparedness for complete protection of public and environment and the role of district administration. Smt. Shakhita Parveen, RDO, Chengalpattu, Smt. Saraswathi, RDO, Madurantakam, NDRF officials, and senior officials of District Administration and Kalpakkam DAE Centre participated in the training programme.
Following the inauguration, the training programme on nuclear emergency preparedness was conducted for senior district officials of Chengalpattu district. Around 200 district officials are expected to undergo this training to be conducted over the next one week.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting, Shri Prakash Javadekar interacts with representatives of Digital News Publishers
Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting, Shri Prakash Javadekar today held an interaction through Video Conference with representatives of Digital News Publishers Association  in the backdrop of the IT  Rules, 2021. Representatives were from India Today, Dainik Bhaskar, Hindustan Times, Indian Express, Times of India, ABP, Eenadu, Dainik Jagran, Lokmat, etc.
Addressing the participants, Shri Javadekar informed that the new rules placed certain responsibilities on digital news publishers. These include adherence to Code of Ethics such as the norms of journalistic conduct framed by the Press Council of India and the Programme Code under the Cable Television Network Act. Further to redress grievances of citizens the rules have provided for a three-tier grievance redressal mechanism of which the first and second tier would be of the digital news publishers and self-regulatory bodies constituted by them. The digital news publishers would also be required to furnish some basic information to the Ministry in a simple form which is being finalised and periodically they would be required to place in public domain the grievance redressal undertaken by them. He stated that print media and TV channels have digital versions whose content is almost the same as that on the traditional platforms. However, there are contents which appear exclusively on the digital platform.This apart there are several entities which are only on the digital platform. Accordingly, the rules seek to cover the news on Digital Media so as to bring them at par with the traditional media.
The participants while welcoming the new rules stated that TV and news print media have been following the laid down norms of the Cable Television Network Act and the Press Council Act for a very long time. Further for publishing the digital versions the publishers do follow the existing norms of the traditional platforms. They felt that they should be treated differently than those news publishers who are only on the digital platform.
Shri Javadekar thanked the participants for expressing their views and stated that the Government will take note of the same and continue with this consultative process for overall growth of the media industry.
Saurabh Singh
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Cabinet
Cabinet apprised of Framework Agreement between India and Sao Tome &Principe for Cooperation in the Exploration and Uses of Outer Space for Peaceful Purposes
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has been apprised of Framework Agreement between India and Sao Tome & Principe on Cooperation in the Exploration and Uses of Outer Space for Peaceful Purposes. The Framework Agreement was signed in New Delhi, on 7th September 2018.
Salient features:
- The Framework Agreement will provide impetus to explore newer research activities and application possibilities in the field of remote sensing of the earth; satellite communication; satellite navigation; space science and exploration of outer space.
- This Framework Agreement would lead to develop a host of joint activities in the field of application of space technologies for the benefit of humanity. Thus all sections and regions of both the countries are benefited.
Major Impact:
The Framework Agreement will provide impetus to explore newer research activities and application possibilities in the field of remote sensing of the earth; satellite communication; satellite navigation; space science and exploration of outer space.It would lead to develop a host of joint activities in the field of application of space technologies for the benefit of humanity. Thus all sections and regions of both the countries are benefited.
Background:
- Subsequent to communications from the Ministry of External Affairs  and the National Security Council Secretariat - NSCS  seeking the views of Department of Space  on the Government of Democratic Republic of Sao-Tome and Principe's interests for space cooperation with India including consideration of DoS setting up a satellite tracking station in Sao-Tome and Principe and its financial implications, ISRO carried out a preliminary study of the geographical location of Sao-Tome and Principe and conveyed to NSCS the suitability of Sao-Tome and Principe for an Indian Satellite Ground Station and the financial implications of establishing it.
- Further, in the last week of March 2018, a Letter of Intent  was signed between Indian Space Research Organisation  represented by Chairman, ISRO and the Government of the Republic of Sao-Tome and Principe represented by its Minister for Foreign Affairs and Communities on installation and operation of a ground station in Sao-Tome and Principe for Indian space programme.
- On the invitation of Sao-Tome and Principe authorities, an expert team from ISRO visited the islands of Sao-Tome and Principe and identified a suitable parcel of land for establishing the ground station. Since establishing the ground station is a specific activity and further cooperation between both the countries is required to derive the benefit of the ground station byemploying suitable technology elements, it was accepted by both the countries to sign a Framework Agreement covering multiple activities related to space under the heading of "Cooperation in the Exploration and Uses of Outer Space for Peaceful Purposes".
Ministry of Finance
Secretary, Department of Financial Services , holds review meeting with heads of Public Sector Banks to assess the progress under PM SVANidhi scheme
Dr. Vivek Joshi, Secretary, Department of Financial Services , Ministry of Finance, chaired a review meeting on Financial Inclusion schemes including PM SVANidhi with Heads of Public Sector Banks here today.
During the meeting, the progress and performance of the PM SVANidhi scheme was reviewed. Dr. Joshi exhorted the banks to expeditiously clear the sanction/ disbursement pendency of applications. He further urged banks to devise the strategy and step up the efforts to increase the digital onboarding of street vendors and scale up their digital payments.
Update on PM SVANidhi scheme
PM SVANidhi scheme envisages empowerment of street vendors through hassle free access to affordable credit and their digital onboarding for their economic development.
The PM SVANidhi Scheme continues to make significant strides in providing credit support to street vendors. The scheme performance is regularly monitored jointly by Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs  & DFS for ensuring its effective implementation across the country. As of 19th July 2023, 53.41 lakh applications have been sanctioned while 50.52 lakh applications have been disbursed amounting to Rs. 6,472 crore.
In May 2023, a special campaign was organised by banks and Urban Local Bodies . A total of 6,808 camps were held during the campaign period. A total number of 1,02,358 applications were sanctioned and 1,01,354 applications were disbursed during the campaign. Additionally, 1,06,432 vendors were digitally onboarded during the campaign.
DFS requested banks to organise workshops, seminars, financial literacy program to create awareness among the street vendors about the various features of PM SVANidhi scheme and felicitate street vendors on the basis of performance in digital transactions.
Prime Minister's Office
India-Finland Virtual Summit
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of the Republic of Finland H.E. Ms. Sanna Marin held a Virtual Summit today and discussed the entire gamut of bilateral issues as well as other regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest.
Both leaders noted that the close relations between India and Finland were based on shared values of democracy, rule of law, equality, freedom of speech, and respect for human rights. They reaffirmed their strong commitment to work for multilateralism, a rules-based international order, sustainable development and combating climate change.
The two leaders reviewed the ongoing bilateral engagements and expressed their desire to further expand and diversify the relationship across sectors such as trade and investment, innovation, education, emerging technologies including Artificial Intelligence, 5G/6G, and quantum computing.
Prime Minister Modi appreciated Finland's leading role in clean and green technologies, and noted the potential for Finnish companies to partner India's drive towards sustainable development. In this context, he suggested enhanced cooperation in the areas like renewable and bio-energy, sustainability, edu-tech, pharma and digitization.
The leaders exchanged views on regional and global issues, including the India-EU partnership, cooperation in the Arctic region, WTO and UN reforms. Both sides noted the potential for India and Finland to cooperate in undertaking developmental activities in Africa.
Prime Minister Modi invited Finland to join the International Solar Alliance  and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure .
The two leaders also discussed the Covid-19 situation including their respective vaccination drives, and emphasized the importance of global efforts for urgent and affordable access to vaccines across all nations.
The two leaders looked forward to their forthcoming meetings during the India-EU Leaders’ Meeting in Porto and the India-Nordic Summit.
Prime Minister's Office
PM chairs a meeting to review preparations for the Olympics
Sports is at the heart of our national character and our youth are creating a strong and vibrant culture of sports: PM
The wishes of 135 crore Indians will be with our youngsters who are participating in the Olympics: PM
From vaccination to training facilities, every need of our sportspersons must be fulfilled on top priority: PM
For every young sportsperson shining on the global stage, a thousand more will be inspired to take up sports: PM
I will be connecting with our Olympics contingent through a video conference in July, to encourage them and assure them that a proud nation stands with them: PM
PM Narendra Modi reviewed India’s Olympics preparations on the occasion of 50 Days to Tokyo Olympics. A presentation was made by officials on various aspects of operational readiness for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics. During the course of the review, Hon’ble PM was apprised about the various steps taken towards ensuring uninterrupted training for athletes amidst the pandemic, participation in international competitions to win Olympic quota, vaccination of athletes, and customised support being provided to them.
Officials reported that about the vaccination status of and support staff.Prime Minister directed that every qualified / probable athlete, support staff and officials travelling to the Tokyo Olympics must be vaccinated as soon as possible.
PM said that he would be connecting with our Olympics contingent through a video conference in July, to encourage them and wish them on behalf of all Indians. PM said that sports is at the heart of our national character and our youth are creating a strong and vibrant culture of sports. He said that the wishes of 135 crore Indians will be with our youngsters who are participating in the Olympics. PM added that for every young sportsperson shining on the global stage, a thousand more will be inspired to take up sports.
Officials said that special attention will also be given towards motivating athletes and boosting their morale of athletes while they participate in the Olympics. Therefore, regular video conferences will be organised with their parents and family members back in India, through the course of the competition.
PM was briefed that a total of 100 athletes have qualified for Tokyo Olympics across 11 sports disciplines and bout 25 more athletes are likely to qualify for Tokyo Olympics details of which will emerge by end of June 2021. While a total of 19 Indian athletes had participated at the last Paralympics in 2016 at Rio de Janeiro. 26 para athletes have qualified&16 more athletes are likely to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics.
Ministry of Defence
MARITIME PARTNERSHIP EXERCISE  WITH JAPANESE MARITIME SELF DEFENCE FORCE
Continuing with the conduct of Maritime Partnership Exercises  with Friendly Foreign Countries, INS Sahyadri exercised with Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force  ship JS Suzutsuki, an Akizuki Class Destroyer in the Arabian Sea on 11 March 2023.
Aimed at consolidating their shared commitment to regional and global security challenges, the exercise witnessed cross deck landings by integral helicopters, tactical manoeuvres and a customary steampast by the ships. Indian Navy and JMSDF have been collaborating closely on various fronts and playing a key role in ensuring safety of international maritime trade and working towards global commons. The exercise underscored the strong navy-to-navy links and the high level of interoperability between the two nations in the maritime domain.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
SKILL DEVELOPMENT BY NI-MSME TO OVERCOME SLOWDOWN CAUSED BY PANDEMIC
The National Institute for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises has come to the aid of youth desirous of upskilling and those who are looking for jobs in the current pandemic caused by the Covid-19 virus. In a webinar organised by the Regional Outreach Bureau and the Press Information Bureau of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting on the topic ‘Skill Development to fight economic slow down due to Covid 19, Shri G. Sudarshan, Faculty Member, ni-msme said that various webinars and online mentoring programs have been held during the pandemic. He further shared that youth trained by them are now able to sell about 300 products on online retail platforms like Amazon which has greatly helped them to overcome the difficulties of absence of physical markets in the Lockdown periods.
Delivering the keynote address, Shri G. Sudarshan said there is a need to bridge the gap between demand and supply of skilled manpower not only for the existing jobs but the jobs that are to be created in future. The Ministry of Skill Development aims to skill job seekers on a large scale in order to achieve the vision of ‘Skilled India’ through initiatives like PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana, 3.0, Jan Sikshan Sansthan  Capacity Building Scheme and UDAAN, he said.
While the pandemic has resulted in slow-down of economy to a certain extent, it has also given the opportunity to institutes like ni-msme to reinvent themselves, Shri G. Sudarshan felt. Quality digital training programmes for youth were designed during this period to reach out in local languages. Further, the ni-msme has invested in Training of Trainers  using digital technology which has yielded good results during the pandemic to multiply the training despite lack of physical training sessions.
The Director PIB and ROB Smt Shruti Patil said that the all the media units of the Ministry of I&B would help in enhancing awareness regarding the various skill up gradation programs offered by the ni-msme and contribute towards the vision of ‘Skilled India’. Earlier AD, ROB, Smt Bharatalakshmi, AD welcomed the guests. Officers of Ministry of I&B and trainees of ni-msme took part in the webinar.
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur felicitates Asian Games Medalists from Shooting, Sailing, Wushu, Tennis and gives away cash prizes
Union Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur felicitated the returning athletes from the Asian Games 2022 Shooting, Sailing, Wushu and Tennis contingent at an event in New Delhi today.
Speaking at the event, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur congratulated the athletes on their outstanding performances at the Asian Games. He said that their achievements have made the country proud. He also assured the athletes that the government is committed to providing them with all the support they need to excel in their chosen sport. "I extend my best wishes to all the players and I am sure when the finals  will be conducted, players from India will be there with more number of medals. Soon Paris Olympics will be held and all eyes are on it. PM Modi has always encouraged the players to give their 100 per cent in all the games,” he said.
He also spoke about the importance of federations and the government's schemes such as TOPS and Khelo India in supporting athletes. He said, "Federations have a big role to play. TOPS was started in 2014 with a vision to facilitate athletes and ensure their focus stays in sports. Khelo India scheme also provided the same support. I congratulate the shooting federation  for bagging the biggest medals in Asian Games ever. In 2002, we had two medals in shooting, while we got 22 medals this time.
“We spent a total of Rs 38 crore in Shooting in the Paris cycle. For Wushu as well, a Rs 1.8 crore camp was set up ahead of the Asiad. Now with 7 days to go for the games, I still assure we will make the highest medal tally ever," added the Minister.
Athletes also expressed their gratitude to the government and their support teams for helping them achieve success at the Hangzhou games.
Roshibina, Wushu silver medalist, said, "We are indebted to the Coaches, SAI, federation for making us reach this position. I have trained at the SAI NCOE Imphal and have been well looked after over the years. Now my aim is to get a gold next time."
Sift Kaur, 50m 3p individual gold medalist, said, "This was my 1st Asian Games and I didn't know this my score would turn out to be a world record. The Khelo India scheme has been the most beneficial for me."
Tokyo Olympian sailor Vishnu Saravanan, who bagged a bronze at the Asiad, said, "It has been a great Asian Games for all of us. I am thankful to the coaches, officials and especially our family, who have always supported us. Myself and other sailors are trying to put sailing on the map of India. I thank SAI ARN Pune as well for all the support. Let's all focus on the main goal now to make it to Paris."
The event on Monday was also attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sports Authority of India as well as by the families and friends of the athletes.
Prime Minister's Office
PM pays tributes to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his birth anniversary
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has paid tributes to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his birth anniversary.
“The valour of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose makes every Indian proud. We bow to this great personality on his Jayanti”, the Prime Minister said.
Prime Minister's Office
PM congratulates H.E. Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco on being re-elected as the President of Angola
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated H.E. Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco on being re-elected as the President of Angola.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said;
"Congratulations to H.E. Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco @jlprdeangola on being re-elected as the President of Angola. I look forward to working closely together for strengthening our bilateral relations."
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
4thAdvance Estimates of production of major crops for 2018-19
The 4th Advance Estimates of production of major crops for 2018-19 have been released by the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare on 19thAugust, 2019. The assessment of production of different crops is based on the feedback received from States and validated with information available from other sources. The estimated production of various crops as per the 4th Advance Estimates for 2018-19 vis-à-vis the comparative estimates for the years 2005-06 onwards is enclosed.
2. As per 4th Advance Estimates, the estimated production of major crops during 2018-19 is as under:
- Foodgrains – 284.95 million tonnes.
- Rice – 116.42 million tonnes. 
- Wheat – 102.19 million tonnes 
- Nutri / Coarse Cereals – 42.95 million tonnes.
- Maize – 27.23 million tonnes.
- Pulses – 23.40 million tonnes.
- Gram – 10.13 million tonnes.
- Tur – 3.59 million tonnes.
- Oilseeds – 32.26 million tonnes.
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- Soyabean – 13.79 million tonnes
- Rapeseed and Mustard – 9.34million tonnes
- Groundnut – 6.69 million tonnes
- Cotton – 28.71 million bales 
- Sugarcane – 400.16 million tonnes 
3. As per Fourth Advance Estimates for 2018-19, total Foodgrain production in the country is estimated at 284.95 million tonnes which is higher by 19.20 million tonnes than the previous five years’  average production of foodgrain.
4. Total production of Rice during 2018-19 is estimated at record 116.42 million tonnes. Production of rice has increased by 3.66 million tonnes than the production of 112.76 million tonnes during 2017-18. It is also higher by 8.62 million tonnes than the five years’ average production of 107.80 million tonnes.
5. Production of Wheat, estimated at record 102.19 million tonnes, is higher by 2.32 million tonnes as compared to wheat production of 99.87 million tonnes achieved during 2017-18. Moreover, the production of wheat during 2018-19 is also higher by 7.58 million tonnes than the average wheat production of 94.61 million tonnes.
6. Total Pulses production during 2018-19 is estimated at 23.40 million tonnes which is higher by 3.14 million tonnes than the last Five years’ average production of 20.26 million tonnes.
7. Total Oilseeds production in the country during 2018-19 is estimated at 32.26 million tonnes which is higher than the production of 31.46 million tonnes during 2017-18. Moreover, the production of oilseeds during 2018-19 is also higher by 2.61 million tonnes than the average oilseeds production.
8. With an increase by 20.25 million tonnes over 2017-18, total production of Sugarcane in the country during 2018-19 is estimated at 400.16 million tonnes. Moreover, the production of sugarcane during 2018-19 is also higher by 50.38 million tonnes than the average sugarcane production of 349.78 million tonnes.
9. Production of Cotton estimated at 28.71 million bales  andproduction of Jute & Mesta estimated at 9.77 million bales .
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